Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos Islands, where the tropical climate presents unique challenges for sun exposure. With UV levels rising to a peak of 12 around noon, it’s essential to be aware of when the sun's rays are strongest to prevent sunburn and protect skin health. By keeping track of these levels, you can enjoy the beautiful sunny days while minimizing the risk of skin damage and long-term health issues. Whether you're lounging on the beach or exploring the stunning landscapes, being UV-conscious ensures your time in this paradise is both enjoyable and safe.
At dawn, the UV Index starts off gently, peaking at just 1 by 7:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, its intensity increases rapidly, reaching 4 by 9:00 AM and striking 10 by 11:00 AM—a clear warning to seek shade or slather on sunscreen. The highest reading of 12 occurs at both noon and 1:00 PM, indicating peak solar intensity. Fortunately, as afternoon approaches, the index begins to wane, dropping to 8 by 3:00 PM and further declining to below 5 by 4:00 PM. By the time 7:00 PM rolls around, the UV danger has diminished significantly, settling back to a safe 1. Stay protected during those intense midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure shows significant seasonal variation, with the highest risk months being from late winter through early fall, particularly from February to October, when the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels of 11-13. During these months, the recommended burn time is a mere 10 minutes, underscoring the necessity for increased sun protection. January and November still present high risk with UV Index values of 8, while December offers slightly more leeway with a UV Index of 7 and a burn time of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours, especially from noon to 3 PM, to mitigate the risks associated with exposure to harsh UV rays.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cockburn Harbour UVI | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 7 |
| Cockburn Town | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 7 |